Enhanced meta-aramid and para-aramid textiles, garments, and methods

ABSTRACT

A textile comprising a plurality of synthetic fibers and a plurality of active particles. The plurality of synthetic fibers comprise a plurality of meta-aramid and/or para-aramid fibers. The plurality of active particles are physically embedded in the plurality of synthetic fibers. The plurality of active particles comprise a higher heat stability temperature than the plurality of synthetic fibers.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/138,325, filed Mar. 25, 2015 and entitled “Enhanced Meta-Aramid andPara-Aramid Fibers”, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to textile fibers. In particular, but notby way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to articles andmethods for incorporating active particles into meta-aramid andpara-aramid fibers for improving the physical characteristics offlame-resistant textiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers are used in protective textiles toprotect objects and/or humans from excessive heat exposure and burningcaused by open flames. These fibers are adapted to self-extinguish whenthey are exposed to a flash fire or heat event. Variousindustry-standard test methods are used to determine the heatresistance, flame resistance, and self-extinguishing characteristics ofsuch protective textiles. Examples of common tests include the methodsfound in ASTM D6413, ASTM F2700, and ASTM 2703, as well as the PyroMan™test method, developed by Ansell Protective Solutions AB, JohanKocksgatan 10, SE-231 81 Trelleborg, Sweden. The benefits of protectionthat meta-aramids and para-aramids provide allow meta-aramids andpara-aramid fibers to be used in a wide range of applications whereflame resistance is required.

Wearing garments comprising meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers providethe benefits of protecting the wearer from flame exposure, but thesebenefits come at a cost of human comfort, since moisture is unable tomove through meta-aramid and para-aramid fiber material. Similarly,meta-aramid and para-aramid materials used to protect industrialcomponents have the benefit of protecting the parts from flame exposure,but moisture build-up between the textile and the industrial componentcan cause other problems. The movement of water vapor or liquid water isimportant in either extending the comfort range for a human or to keepan industrial part at an optimum moisture level.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

These materials have a need to have improved moisture function to extendthe usage capability. It is desirable to improve on the functionality ofthese products against a flame and other thermal events. One embodimentof an invention providing these improvements comprises a textilecomprising a plurality of synthetic fibers. In such a textile, theplurality of synthetic fibers comprise a plurality of meta-aramid and/orpara-aramid fibers. A plurality of active particles are physicallyembedded in the plurality of synthetic fibers, with the plurality ofactive particles comprising a higher heat stability temperature than theplurality of synthetic fibers.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a fire-resistant garment.One such fire-resistant garment comprises a plurality of syntheticfibers and a plurality of active particles physically embedded in theplurality of synthetic fibers. The plurality of synthetic fiberscomprises a plurality of meta-aramid and/or para-aramid fibers and theplurality of active particles are physically embedded in the pluralityof synthetic fibers. Furthermore, the plurality of active particlescomprises a higher heat stability temperature than the plurality ofsynthetic fibers.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of creating acomposite polymer textile. One such method comprises creating a solutionby dissolving meta-aramid and/or para-aramid polymers into a solvent anddispersing active particles into the solution. The solution is then spunusing a spinneret, polymerizing or precipitating the solution into ameta-aramid and/or para-aramid fiber material and physicallyincorporating the active particles into the meta-aramid and/orpara-aramid fiber material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of thepresent invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by referenceto the following Detailed Description and to the appended claims whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a basic chemical structure of a para-aramid and ameta-aramid according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a microscopic image of zeolite according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a microscopic image of activated carbon according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 depicts garments according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a graphical representation of the moisture managementproperties of a section of meta-aramid and/or para-aramid textilewithout active particles and a section of meta-aramid and/or para-aramidtextile with active particles, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 depicts two microscopic views of active particles as they wouldbe physically incorporated with meta-aramid or para-aramid fibers,according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts a method of creating a composite polymer textileaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims ismeant to be an exclusive identification between two terms, meaning“either”. Therefore, when the “or” term is used with reference to itemsA and B, for example, as in “items A or B”, the phrase should be viewedas “either of item A and item B, not both of item A and B.” The term“and” as used in the appended claims and the specification is mean to beinclusive. In using the item A and B example above, the phrase “item Aand item B” should be viewed as “both of item A along with item B.” Ifthe term “and/or” is used in the claims and specification, the termshould be viewed as inclusive and exclusive. Therefore, in the exampleabove, the phrase “A and/or B” should be viewed as “either ‘A or B’ or‘A and B’”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “apreferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “onevariation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with at least oneembodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in oneembodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” and similar phrasesin various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant torefer to the same embodiment or variation and may refer to multipleembodiments or variations. Similarly, the word “exemplary” is usedherein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Anyuse of the term “exemplary” herein is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

An aramid fiber comprises a manufactured fiber in which thefiber-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide where atleast 85% of the amide linkages (CO—NH—) in the polyamide are attacheddirectly to two aromatic rings. Meta-aramid and para-aramid fibersdiffer slightly in their chemical composition as compared to purelyaramid fibers. Specifically, the position on the aromatic rings to whichthe meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers bond differs as compared topurely aramid fibers. FIG. 1 displays the difference in chemicalstructure and molecular diagrams between a para-aramid 100 and ameta-aramid 150 polymer, respectively. Meta-aramid and para-aramidfibers also differ slightly with regard to tensile, strength, and otherproperties.

Fibers comprising the meta-aramid 150 and para-aramid 100 structure seenin FIG. 1 comprise commercially-available textiles such as, but notlimited to, the materials marketed and sold under the Kevlar® and Nomex®brands from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market StreetWilmington Del. 19898, as well as the material marketed and sold underthe Twaron® trademark from Teijin Aramid B.V. Limited Liability Company,Velperweg 76, Arnhem, Netherlands 6824 BM. These textiles, among others,are used in many environments in which individuals, such as such asmilitary personnel, first responders, and factory workers, requirespecialized flame-resistant apparel. However, a main feature of thesematerials is also a drawback to their use. Specifically, the highlyimpermeable nature of these materials to fire also leads to thematerials being highly impermeable to water and therefore have little tono water adsorption or absorption properties. As such, when thesematerials are worn, the heat causing a person to sweat creates humiditybetween the user and the material, making the air around the body highlyuncomfortable within a very short period of time.

As stated, meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers are also useful inprotecting structures and objects from heat and flame. In industrialsettings, pipes, tanks, pumps, and other structures and equipment can beprotected from damage with hoses or wraps comprised of meta-aramid orpara-aramid fibers surrounding the equipment/structures. However, manypieces of industrial equipment or structures also create condensationduring operation and this water buildup between the flame-resistantmaterial and the equipment can introduce additional problems.Meta-aramid and para-aramid textiles are also further used in buildingmaterials as a substitute for asbestos and/or other constructionmaterials in walls and ceilings. Building materials that includemeta-aramid and para-aramid textiles can cause humidity buildup withinbuildings. In nearly every application of meta-aramid and para-aramidmaterials, in order to alleviate the effects of humidity buildup, somekind of ventilation is usually implemented. However, depending on howvarious methods of ventilation are implemented, the ventilation maycompromise the effectiveness of the flame-resistance system.

In order to alleviate this compromised effect of ventilation, yet stillprovide decreased humidity in meta-aramid and para-aramid materials, anembodiment of the invention comprises a textile in which activeparticles are integrated into meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers. Onetype of textile may comprise a woven material, a non-woven material, ora performance-enhanced material. The term “active particle” may bedefined as a material with a specific set of physical properties thatinteract with the environment to achieve particular performancecharacteristics. One type of active particle textile may comprise apolymer composite comprising meta-aramid and/or para-aramid fibers andone or more active particles. For ease of reference, textiles inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure comprising activeparticles and either meta-aramid or para-aramid fibers may be referredto as “composite textiles” or “composite polymer textiles.”

The active particles in composite textiles achieve two desiredperformance characteristics: First, the active particles may providemoisture management characteristics in the form of a decreased or asubstantial elimination of humidity and liquid between the skin of thetextile wearer and the textile; Second, the particles may enhance theflame-resistant performance (i.e., increased resistance to burning whenin contact or near a direct flame) of the textile, beyond the existingcharacteristics if the textile contains only meta-aramid and para-aramidfibers. For example, to meet the requirements of ASTM D6413, thematerial must not melt or drip, have less than 2 seconds of afterglowand after flame, and less than 4 inches of char length. In order toachieve these characteristics, the active particles themselves haveparticular properties.

Providing desired moisture management properties to a textile may beobtained through adding to the textile active particles that 1) absorbinfrared light in the 8 to 12 micron wavelength region, 2) have theability to adsorb and desorb (i.e., eject or emit) water at temperaturesbetween 10 and 40° C., and 3) have a surface area greater than 10 m²/g.Water is absorbed by the active particles when the person begins toperspire while wearing the garment. The active particles desorb theadsorbed liquid or vapor when infrared light is absorbed by the activeparticle, comprising enough energy to cause the water to desorb from theparticle. It is contemplated that the infrared light may be emitted bythe person wearing the garment. In one embodiment, the amount of activeparticles in the textile may comprise from about 0.01% to about 3% byweight. However, the active particle loading level may be determinedbased on the strength of the fiber. In some embodiments, increasedactive particle loading may occur with increased tensile strength. Theamount of water that is absorbed and desorbed from the active particlesmay comprise an evaporation rate. One or more of these particularproperties may be collectively referred to throughout the disclosure asthe “moisture management properties.” The specific moisture managementproperties described herein provide certain advantages which result inthe desired characteristics of the composite textile. For example, oneadvantage that the capturing of infrared energy in the 8 to 12 micronwavelength region provides is an increase of the evaporation rate ofwater as compared to its normal evaporation rate. For example, wovenfabric comprising Nomex® material without active particles comprises anAATCC 200 drying rate of about 0.73 ml/h and the same Nomex® fabricmaterial with active particles comprises a drying rate of about 3.5ml/h. Such woven fabric may comprise of 15% polyethylene terephthalate(PET) doped with 1% active particles blended with 85% Nomex® fibers.Additionally, the ability to adsorb and desorb water while wearing thegarment ensures that moisture can pass through the composite textile atbody temperature and at normal ambient environmental temperatures. Thesurface area property of greater than 10 m²/g generally indicates that aparticle has high porosity. High porosity can be advantageous in activeparticles of the present disclosure because the large surface areacreated by pores allows a relatively large amount of water to beadsorbed to the surface of a particle in comparison to its overall size,thereby creating a flow of perspiration from the wear of the garment tothe ambient environment, as described above.

In order to enhance the flame-resistant characteristics of the textile,the active particles may have a heat (thermal) stability of greater than300° C. and a specific heat of less than 1.3 J/gK at 293K. Many existingmeta-aramid and para-aramid fibers have a heat stability (otherwiseknown as a thermal degradation temperature) of between 200 and 260° C.Incorporating active particles with a higher heat stability temperaturethan the meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers is advantageous because itis likely that the composite textile will be exposed to temperatures ofat least 200 to 260° C. In order to preserve the moisture managementfunctionality of the active particles, they should not degrade (e.g.,decomposition and volatilization) at temperatures that the meta-aramidand para-aramid fibers are designed to be exposed to. Further, addingthe active particles as described in the present disclosure may increasethe overall heat stability of the textile to a higher temperaturethreshold than existing meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers. Severaltypes of active particles can be utilized in embodiments of the presentdisclosure, including zeolite and activated carbon. In many embodiments,active particles may be minerals that may absorb and desorb water withhuman infrared energy. Any type of active particle having one or more ofthe properties listed herein may be used without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a microscopic image, as seen through a scanning electronmicrograph, of zeolite 275, an active particle that may be integratedwith meta-aramid or para-aramid fibers according to aspects of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 3 also depicts a close view, as seen through ascanning electron micrograph, of activated carbon 325, another activatedparticle that may be integrated with meta-aramid or para-aramid fibersaccording to aspects of the present disclosure.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, activated carbon 325 and zeolite 275 typicallycomprise a rough surface with many pores, which result in a singleparticle having a large surface area. As discussed previously, the largesurface-area-to-size ratio allows for activated particles to adsorbrelatively large amounts of a particular substance, such as water. Incertain embodiments, activated carbon may be in the form of activatedcharcoal.

FIG. 4 shows examples of articles of clothing and garments that may bemanufactured using the textiles and methods of the present disclosure.Protective suits 400 and 401 may be used by individuals who areregularly exposed to flames, such as firefighters. Such suits may beused in combination with protective head and neck coverings, such ashead and neck covering 402. For example, the protective suits 400, 401may be won over head and neck covering to limit skin exposure to flame.Often, meta-aramid and para-aramid garments are worn in such a mannerthat no skin is exposed, because the hazards faced by individualswearing them include sustained exposure to extreme heat or fire. Forthese garments, ventilation in the form of openings in the fabric isundesirable because the heat or fire could burn the wearer of thegarment through the openings.

FIG. 4 also shows a protective work shirt 403 that may be worn byindividuals who may only be exposed to a infrequent or brief flame.These garments may be worn more loosely, and with more openings (such asbutton holes) than the full fire-protective described above. Aprotective work shirt 403 may comprise certain meta-aramid andpara-aramid fibers blended with more traditional porous fabrics, such ascotton or polyester, in order to achieve an increased level of comfortand breathability. However, these traditional porous fabrics, whenblended, may decrease the flame-resistant properties of the meta-aramidand para-aramid textile, because the porous fabrics let air and waterthrough more easily than the meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers and arealso not as flame resistant as the meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers.Incorporating traditional porous textile fibers into meta-aramid andpara-aramid fibers typically decreases the flame resistance of theresulting blended textile as compared to a pure meta-aramid orpara-aramid textile. In fact, adding too much of a traditional porousfabric can cause a meta-aramid or para-aramid blend to lose itsself-extinguishing capability. In one embodiment, preferably less than25%, more preferably less than 20%, and most preferably about 15% of thefiber in a porous/PET (or nylon) fiber and active particle embodiment,by weight, may comprise fibers doped with active particles. In contrast,composite textiles of the present disclosure can allow breathability andmoisture management without substantially decreasing the flameresistance of the meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers. As a result,composite textiles of the present disclosure can be used advantageouslyin garments where ventilation openings are impractical and potentiallydangerous, such as protective suits 400 and 401 and head coverings 402,providing breathability even in high fire-exposure environments.Additionally, composite textiles of the present disclosure may be usedin combination with, or in place of blended meta-aramid or para-aramidgarments, to provide increased flame resistance in more comfortableclothing such as the protective work shirt 403.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation depicting the evaporation operationof a section of meta-aramid or para-aramid textile 501 without activeparticles and a section of meta-aramid or para-aramid textile 503 withactive particles. As shown, moisture and humidity 502 on a first side510 of the textile 501 is substantially blocked from escaping through toa second side 520 of the textile 501. FIG. 5 also shows a compositetextile 503 comprising meta-aramid or para-aramid fibers with activeparticles integrated according to embodiments of the disclosure. Asshown, moisture and humidity 504 can move from the first side 510 of thecomposite textile 503 to the second side 520. It is contemplated thatthe first side 510 and second side 520 of the textile 501, 503 seen inFIG. 5 may also refer to a first side and second side of the garments400, 401, 402, and 403 seen in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the first sideof the FIG. 4 garments 400, 401, 402, and 403 may comprise a garmentside nearest a person's body and a second side of the garments 400, 401,402, and 403 may comprise a garment side nearest the ambientenvironment. Active particles may be distributed uniformly ornon-uniformly between the meta-aramid or para-aramid fibers andthroughout particular sections of the textile to provide a desirednumber of active particles per sweat pore located in that area.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method by whichactive particles and meta-aramid or para-aramid fibers may be formedinto a composite polymer textile. One method of manufacturingmeta-aramid and para-aramid fibers is wet-spinning. Wet-spinningcomprises a process in which a polymer/monomer is dissolved into asolvent, and the solution is spun using a spinneret, which precipitatesor polymerizes the solution into a relatively flat fiber material. Thematerial is eventually quenched into its solid form.

The method of the present disclosure may comprise dissolving polymers ofmeta-aramid or para-aramid into a solvent. Solutions of such dissolvedpolymers may be used in the process of wet-spinning to manufacturemeta-aramid and para-aramid fibers, rather than heat-based extrusionmethods of manufacturing, because once a meta-aramid or para-aramidpolymer is formed, it does not melt into a liquid. One example of asolvent that may be used with the presently disclosed method includessulfuric acid. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that solventsrequire particular characteristics in order to allow the polymer todissolve into a solvent during the wet spinning process. Furthermore, anaspect of the present disclosure is that the active particles areinsoluble and physically unaffected (not damaged) by the solvent.Therefore, in addition to the physical properties of active particleslisted throughout the present disclosure, in some embodiments, theactive particles may also have the additional property of beinginsoluble in certain known solvents. Alternatively, or additionally, invarious embodiments of the method, a particular solvent may be chosenbecause it does not adversely impact the physical properties of adesired active particle.

One method may further comprise dispersing active particles into thesolution. This dispersal may occur before or while the solution is beingspun through a spinneret. The particles can be directly dispersed intothe solution. Alternatively, the active particles may be dispersed usinga dispersing agent. One type of dispersing agent may comprise Carbowet®from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 7201 Hamilton Blvd. Allentown Pa.18195. Advantages to using a dispersing agent may be to achieve a higherlevel of uniformity of particle distribution, prevent particles fromagglomerating, and prevent the particles from falling out of thedispersion. Falling out of a dispersion comprises a particle settling tothe bottom of solution volume, preventing proper mixing of the solution.As another alternative, the active particles may be dispersed using aremovable protective layer, such as an encapsulant, as described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,247,374, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. For example, when an active particle is coated with aprotective layer, the protective layer may comprise a dispersing agent.Upon removal of the encapsulant from the active particle, or before, theencapsulant acts as a dispersing agent.

Upon dispersing the active particles in the solvent and thensubsequently wet-spinning the solution, active particles may becomephysically incorporated and/or enmeshed with the meta-aramid orpara-aramid fibers. Though the active particles may not form chemicalbonds with the fibers, the two become physically intertwined. In theart, the dispersion of insoluble particles into a wet-spinning solutionhas not been pursued due to the knowledge that (i) active particleswould not form chemical bonds with the tightly-aligned meta-aramid andpara-aramid fibers and that (ii) the active particles would have anegative impact on the formation of the fibers. However, the method ofthe present disclosure results in the physical entanglement of theparticles with the polymer fibers without negatively impacting thespinning process or the formation of the fibers. In fact, dispersionforces or van der Waals forces may also hold the active particles andmeta-aramid or para-aramid fibers together. Seen in FIG. 6 are twomicroscopic views of active particles 601 as they would be physicallyincorporated with meta-aramid or para-aramid fibers 602, as describedabove. As shown, the active particles 601 are depicted as spots ofvarying sizes physically integrated with the fibers 602.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart which may be implemented to perform a method700 of the present disclosure. The method 700 starts at 704 and at step701 the method may comprise dissolving a polymer into a solvent, whichresults in a liquid solution. Such a polymer may comprise a base monomersuch as, but not limited to, polymers of meta-aramids and/orpara-aramids. Then, at step 702, the method 700 may comprise dispersingactive particles into the liquid solution. Next, at 703, the method 700may further comprise wet-spinning the solution into a composite textileof aramid fibers and active particles. This may comprise polymerizing orprecipitating the solution into a meta-aramid and/or para-aramid fibermaterial, along with physically incorporating the active particles intothe fiber material. The method 700 ends at 705.

The active particles that are dispersed into the solution may be between100 nm (0.1 microns) and 10 microns in size (e.g. average diameter). Itis contemplated that in some embodiments, a given supply of activeparticles dispersed in a solution may be non-uniform in size. The 100 nmto 10 micron size range of active particles allows them to achievecertain properties. For example, activated carbon particles in the sizerange of at least 100 nm to may have a surface area greater than 10m²/g, which allows for optimal moisture management characteristics ofthe resulting composite textile. Active particles of less than 10microns in size may be sufficiently large to provide the desiredcharacteristics while also being small enough to become entangled orenmeshed with the meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers during thewet-spinning manufacturing process.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A textile comprising, a plurality of syntheticfibers, the plurality of synthetic fibers comprising a plurality ofmeta-aramid and/or para-aramid fibers; a plurality of active particlesphysically embedded in the plurality of synthetic fibers, wherein theplurality of active particles comprise a higher heat stabilitytemperature than the plurality of synthetic fibers.
 2. The textile ofclaim 1 wherein, the textile comprises a first side and a second side;and the active particles decrease the humidity and/or an amount ofliquid between the first side and a user's skin upon wearing thetextile.
 3. The textile of claim 2 wherein, the first side comprises atextile side nearest to a user's skin upon wearing the textile; and thesecond side comprises a textile side farther from the user's skin uponwearing the textile.
 4. The textile of claim 1 wherein, the weight ratioof active particles to synthetic fibers comprises a range of about toabout 0.01% to 3%; and the active particles increase a resistance toburning for the textile.
 5. The textile of claim 4 wherein, theresistance to burning comprises, a non-melting textile; a non-drippingtextile; and a textile comprising, less than two second of afterglow andafter flame, and less than four inches of char length.
 6. The textile ofclaim 1 wherein, the active particles, are between about 100 nm and 10microns in diameter; absorb light comprising wavelengths from about 8microns to about 12 microns; absorb and eject water, wherein the watercomprises a temperature between about 10 degrees Celsius and about 40degrees Celsius; and comprise a surface area greater than 10 m² per gramof active particles.
 7. The textile of claim 6 wherein, the lightcomprises infrared light; and an increased water evaporation rate forthe textile when the active particle is present.
 8. The textile of claim6 wherein, the water evaporation rate comprises moisture entering thetextile at a textile first side and leaving the textile at a textilesecond side; a temperature of the water at the textile first sidecomprises a temperature near a user's body temperature; the temperatureof the water at the textile second side comprises an ambienttemperature.
 9. A fire-resistant garment comprising, a plurality ofsynthetic fibers, the plurality of synthetic fibers comprising aplurality of meta-aramid and/or para-aramid fibers; a plurality ofactive particles physically embedded in the plurality of syntheticfibers, wherein the plurality of active particles comprise a higher heatstability temperature than the plurality of synthetic fibers.
 10. Thefire-resistant garment of claim 9 further comprising, a first garmentsection; and a second garment section.
 11. The fire-resistant garment ofclaim 10 wherein, one of the first garment section and the secondgarment section comprises a head and/or neck covering; and no skin isexposed to an ambient environment upon wearing the fire-resistantgarment.
 12. The fire-resistant garment of claim 9 further comprising, aplurality of natural porous fibers blended with the plurality ofsynthetic fibers; and one or more openings to access a first garmentside from a second garment side.
 13. The fire-resistant garment of claim12 wherein, the plurality of synthetic fibers doped with activeparticles comprises cotton and/or polyester; and the synthetic fibersdoped with active particles is no greater than 35%.
 14. A method ofcreating a composite polymer textile comprising, creating a solution bydissolving polymers comprising meta-aramids and/or para-aramids into asolvent; dispersing active particles into the solution; spinning thesolution using a spinneret; polymerizing or precipitating the solutioninto a meta-aramid and/or para-aramid fiber material; and physicallyincorporating the active particles into the meta-aramid and/orpara-aramid fiber material.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein, thesolvent comprises sulfuric acid.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein, theactive particles are insoluble and physically unaffected by the solvent.17. The method of claim 14 wherein, the active particles are dispersedinto the solution before and/or during the spinning of the solutionusing a spinneret.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the activeparticles are dispersed directly into the solution or: by using adispersing agent, or through the use of a removable encapsulant.
 19. Themethod of 18 wherein, the active particles are dispersed using adispersing agent and further comprising, substantially decreasing theagglomeration of active particles; and substantially decreasing thenumber of active particles that fall out of the solution.
 20. The methodof claim 14, wherein, physically incorporating the active particles intothe meta-aramid and/or para-aramid fiber material occurs during thespinning of the solution and comprises using dispersion forces or vander Waals forces to hold the active particles and the meta-aramid and/orpara-aramid fiber material together.